Introduction to Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders – Q&A with Rhea Paul
Fully updated and revised based on the 2020 ASHA standards and recent AAA standards, the fourth edition of Introduction to Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders is the core textbook for all students in clinical methods courses—and a reliable reference for practicing SLPs and audiologists. We recently spoke with author Rhea Paul and asked her to tell us more about her new book.
Q: We’re excited about all the updates in the new fourth edition of Introduction to Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders. What do you think are the most valuable additions you’ve made to the book?
A: One new feature of the book that we are very excited about is a new chapter on clinical observation by Prof. Nancy Hall. Since many students do their required 25 hours of observation in conjunction with their Introduction to Clinical Methods course, we thought providing some background information and guidelines for the observation process would be very useful to students. We know observation means more than just sitting and watching, if it is really going to contribute to the student’s clinical education. This chapter will help students organize their observation experiences to maximize their benefit, and will encourage them to reflect on those experiences as they integrate the observation experience into their emerging clinical skill set.
Our chapter on technology is also expanded to exclude a broader range of assistive technology, including tech for AAC, assisted listening, and environmental control. We think this introduction will help students feel more prepared to evaluate and make use of technology for communication disorders. Our chapter on communication sampling now includes more detailed information on the computer-assisted methods of transcription and analysis that have become much more sophisticated in recent years. We think students will benefit from knowing about the many ways that automated analysis can help them understand their clients’ spontaneous speech, and make language sampling more efficient.
All the other chapters have been updated to bring our readers the most current information, trends, and policy standards that affect clinical practice. We hope students will find the new edition a valuable resource for launching their careers as communication disorders professionals.
All the other chapters have been updated to bring our readers the most current information, trends, and policy standards that affect clinical practice. We hope students will find the new edition a valuable resource for launching their careers as communication disorders professionals.
